On March 27th, Haynes Whaley and Cooper Carry “Sent Hunger Down the Drain” at the 2009 AIA Northern Virginia CANstruction competition, a charity committed to ending hunger. Across the nation, competitions are held among teams of architects, designers, engineers, contractors, and students to build structures made entirely out of canned food. At the end of each competition, the canned food is donated to local food banks. Haynes Whaley and Cooper Carry teamed together once again – this time to build a giant “Mario and Goomba” out of approximately 800 cans of food, which was given to the Arlington Food Assistance Center in Arlington, Virginia. Knowing that this food will help others is award enough. However, it was nice to learn that our team’s structure was also recognized in the competition. Mario and Goomba won the 2009 “Peoples’ Choice” award!  Thanks to everyone who participated in and sponsored this great event. Special thanks to Haynes Whaley Engineers Alexis Pacella, Dustin Wakefield, and Sam Park (pictured).